November 20, 2013 -- Angelo Colella of Plainville has many things to be thankful for in his life: a long and happy marriage to Barbara, his high school sweetheart, a beautiful daughter and a grandson—both who are the light of his life; and most importantly, his good health. Recently, however, Angelo discovered yet another reason to be thankful—his entry was randomly selected as the $1,000,000 top prize winner in the CT Lottery’s final “$1,000,000 Silver & Gold” 2nd Chance drawing held on November 14.

“It was hard to absorb at first, but once it was confirmed that it was real...I was very excited,” Angelo told Lottery officials. “Winning was a combination of my wife reminding me every Saturday to buy two Silver & Gold tickets, and me mailing in the entries for the 2nd Chance drawing. I really owe it all to my wife. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have won.”

The CT Lottery’s $1,000,000 Silver & Gold instant game offered players two ways to win a prize—scratch and win up to $1,000,000 instantly on the game ticket, or by entering non-winning tickets into the game's four 2nd Chance drawings.

Of the 920,137 entries received for the game’s fourth and final 2nd Chance drawing, Angelo’s entry was randomly selected as the $1,000,000 top prize winner. In addition to Angelo’s top prize, 10 entrants won prizes worth $500 each, and 30 others won prizes worth $200 each.

Yesterday, Angelo arrived at CT Lottery headquarters in Rocky Hill and selected the Lottery’s 60-day waiting option while he decides whether to take the $1,000,000 Silver & Gold 2nd Chance Drawing top prize as a 20-year annuity or the cash lump sum equivalent.

“The best thing that ever happened to me was meeting my wife; the second is my grandson,” said Angelo with a tearful eye. “So, no matter how I claim the prize, I’ll give the money to them. I want them to be happy.”